About 160 people attended last week's concert by Tenby Male Choir in St. Mary's Church. The choir always appreciates the privilege of singing in such beautiful surroundings, especially in summer when the glow of the setting sun illuminates the church. As usual, the choir was conducted by musical director Ian Williams and ably accompanied on the piano by Jill Williams. Introduced by compère David Blackmore, the choir sang three sets of five pieces, aiming as always to entertain with quality of performance, but also variety and contrast of style and mood. The first set of songs consisted of the popular and rousing 'Rachie' in Welsh, followed by 'Dashenka the Gypsy', 'The Gospel Train', 'I believe' and 'Stout Hearted Men'. While the rest of the choir took a break, second tenor Paul Varallo charmed the audience with the first of two sets of three solo songs. His first three songs were 'On the street where you live' from My Fair Lady, 'My heart is higher than a hawk' from Calamity Jane, and 'Some Enchanted Evening' from South Pacific. The rest of the choir then returned to sing 'Men of Harlech', followed by the unaccompanied Welsh lullaby 'Si heiluli mabi', then 'The Rhythm of Life', and 'Nirvana', and concluding the second set with the popular (and very fast) negro spiritual 'Amen'. The choir then had another break, but not Paul Varallo, who introduced his second set of solo songs. First came 'Suo gân', a traditional Welsh lullaby; then Paul sang the haunting French song 'Aubade' by Lalo. He concluded his very impressive performance with the traditional favourite 'Bless this house'. Paul has been a popular soloist with the choir now for quite a while, but this time he reached new heights with the quality and versatility of his performance. The rest of the choir then returned to conclude the evening. As has become traditional, compère David gave an advance invitation to any visiting choristers in the audience to join the choir for the final song. The set began with 'You'll never walk alone', followed by another great Welsh favourite, 'Gwahoddiad'. Then, for the last three pieces, the choir 'crossed the pond' once more singing 'When the Saints go marching in', then 'Shenandoah'. Finally, the choir was joined by a record five guest choristers for the last piece, 'American Trilogy'. A most enjoyable evening for both audience and choir concluded with the singing of the two national anthems. Many choristers then retired to the County Club for essential lubrication of the vocal chords. Information about the choir and details of its programme are available on the official website http://www.tenbymalechoir.org">http://www.tenbymalechoir.org. There are also clips of the choir singing available to download. New choristers are always welcome. Prospective members do not need to have a fine voice, or expertise in music. The important thing is to be prepared to be part of a team where everyone helps and encourages each other. Help keep this great choral tradition alive in Wales! All nationalities are welcome. Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays and most Thursdays at Tenby and County Club on The Croft. Guests are also welcome. Anyone requiring more details should contact the secretary, Neville Boughton-Thomas, on (01834) 810002.
S. C.